Retail Food Safety Inspector - Spartanburg Area

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is seeking a Retail Food Safety Inspector to oversee inspections of food establishments across Spartanburg County. This role involves ensuring compliance with sanitation practices and food safety laws while providing consultation to industry stakeholders. A generous benefits package and state vehicle for travel are included.

Benefits

Generous state benefits including retirement and health insurance

13 paid holidays with generous leave accruals

Employee Assistance Program with free counseling sessions

Take home State vehicle

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or related field is required.
• Knowledge/Experience in food sanitation or service industry.
• Valid driver’s license is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct graded inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports of inspections and necessary actions.
• Investigate foodborne illness cases and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of food safety

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical sciences or a related field

Associate's degree in natural or physical sciences or related field with 2 years of experience

High school diploma with 4 years of related experience

Job description

Do you have exceptional attention to detail? Do you enjoy performing inspections? Do you like working in different environments each day? If so, then this position could be a great opportunity for you! The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is hiring a Retail Food Safety Inspectorfor Spartanburg County area. As a Retail Food Safety Inspector, you will inspect food establishments such as restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, markets, schools, etc.to ensure the proper sanitary practices are being followed.

As a Retail Food Safety Inspector your duties will include:

• Completing compliance graded inspections of retail food service establishments and initiate actions, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-25 governing Retail Food Establishments.
• Ensuring foods are prepared, packaged, and marketed under safe and sanitary conditions.
• Maintaining all required Quality Assurance/Quality Control activities including but not limited to proficiency testing and standardization.
• Providing complete, detailed reports of inspections, and outline any necessary enforcement action.
• Conducting complaint investigations in accordance with applicable Standard Operation Procedure and program guidance.
• Investigating suspected cases of foodborne illness; collaborating with industry stakeholders in investigations.
• Providing programmatic consultation to food service industry personnel and other stakeholders.
• Performing pre-operational inspections and issues permits for new facilities.

Did we mention that a take home State vehicle is provided?

BENEFITS

• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for full family coverage is only $307/month!
• 13 paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free counseling sessions for employees and household members
  • Free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more)

• Abachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related field. Natural or physical science may include, but are not limited to Food Science, Nutrition, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Public Health, etc.
• An associate's degree in the natural or physical sciences or related field and two (2) years of environmental health or a high school diploma and four (4) years of environmental health or related experience, such as Food Safety/Service Industry, may be substituted for the required degree.
• A valid state driver's license and ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

• Knowledge/Experience in food, sanitation, food safety, or in the food service industry.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal food laws and regulations.
• Certified Food Service Manager.

• Extensive in-state day travel using a state provided vehicle.
• Must be able to operate in confined spaces; and inspect inside, over top, behind, and under kitchen equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and shift objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods in extreme heat and cold.
• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment and prepare reports / written correspondence with accurate technical regulatory language.
• Ability to exercise judgement in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, rules and regulations, be detail oriented, and highly organized.
• Ability to read fine print on food product labels.
• Occasional overnight and/or out-of-state travel required.